Psalm 19: Hymn of Unification

Publisher Description

:<p>T. A. Perry interacts with the Psalms in his newest book, <i>Psalm
19: Hymn of Unification</i>. With his characteristically engaging
writing style, Perry couples a detailed exegesis of this psalm
with a philosophical meditation on its value and meaning.</p>

<p>Psalm 19 begins with "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the work of his hands." This psalm- which C. S. Lewis called "the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world"-tells how all of creation speaks in praise of God, and then meditates on the beauty and perfection of the law of Yahweh, Israel's covenant lord.</p> <p>T. A. Perry divides his book into two main parts, coupling a detailed exegetical analysis of Psalm 19 with a philosophical meditation (from a Jewish perspective) on nature, the law, and the relationship between humanity and the rest of creation.</p> <p>Perry advances the thesis that Psalm 19 presents a vision of "universal unification" for the entire creation, one that is not restricted to Jews but that embraces all people and, indeed, all of nature. Like Genesis 1, Psalm 19 tells a story of the origins, structures, and directions of the universe that God has made and over which he rules-thus providing a paradigmatic statement of monotheism as a religious system. In addition, Psalm 19 invites us to reflect on the tensions inherent in monotheism, especially the struggle between love and justice that we see in Israel's God.</p>